Greetings!
Gratitude.
That's my word of the month for now.
OK - Read all the way to the end of the next paragraph so you don't think I have jumped off the deep end!
So, I've been taking an online class - from Oprah's website. The co-leader of the class is Eckhart Tolle who is an author and spiritual teacher. His latest book "A New Earth - Discovering Your Life's Purpose" is Oprah's book of the month.
No, I haven't plunged into mind numbing day-time TV!
I heard about the series of classes from a good friend of mind and for the past seven weeks I have been captivated by these classes. Yes they go pretty high on the woo woo scale for some, but I gotta tell you they have saved my sanity.
Check out Miss Karen's Musing (below) to find out why. Also check out my latest article on networking, as well as some new stuff and calendar changes.
Gratitude.
I am grateful for you, the opportunity to learn every day and for the spring sunshine. What are you grateful for?
--Miss Karen
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Seven Mistakes to Avoid When Networking
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Are you frustrated because you've invested time and money in a networking group and you aren't seeing results? Networking is the number one best way to market your business. It's the most cost effective too, however many people struggle with networking. Why? Two reasons potentially. One, maybe they've never taken the time to learn how. Second, perhaps they're using some outdated strategies.
Here are seven mistakes to avoid when you're out networking:
1. Don't' be late. You probably know someone who is always late - or maybe you are - It's hardwired into some people. It's part of their personality. But equally hard wired is the judgement that others have about lateness. Some people perceive lateness as a disrespect of their time and and indication of how you handle your clients and appointments. If there's a start time and you're serious about growing your business, show up on time.
2. Shake hands properly. Don't grip to hard and don't give the dead fish handshake. Some people make the mistake of giving the "dainty" handshake to women. Everyone should get the same handshake. Press the fleshy part between your thumb and forefinger into the handshake and grip firmly, look them in the eye and smile. Learning how to shake hands properly is an important part of business etiquette.
3. Don't be your job title. I know I've said this a gazillion times before. If you answer the question "What do you do" with your job title, the person to whom you are speaking will put you in the box with everyone else they know who has that job title and every experience they've ever had with that job title. Spend some time figuring out how you help people (from their point of view - not yours) and say that instead.
4. Don't try to sell to people. Networking is about farming, not hunting. If you sell to the people in the room (or make the kill right away) you will never develop a relationship with that person. If they really really really want what you have to offer, schedule an appointment with them away from the event.
5. Eat Drink and Be Merry? NOT! Yes they serve food and drink at these events. That doesn't mean you should attend with the idea in mind that this is the perfect place for your evening meal and a cocktail. Networking contains the word work for a reason! If you want to create relationships with the most successful people at the event, you probably ought to eat first and definitely should abstain from cocktails. Why? Remember the people who don't like it if you're late. Well, if you eat they may feel you're just there to socialize and aren't a serious business owner. Don't' make that mistake
6. Thinking the Chamber is all there is. Most people use the chamber as their primary networking venue. This is a huge strategic error. Most experts say you should belong to three types of groups (see sidebar on social networking) The various networking types are: One person per profession groups (such as BNI or LeTip) or "hard contact:" groups. Soft contact groups such as the chamber. Service organizations, like Soroptomists, Rotary or Kiwanis, social networking like clubs or your kids sports team. The reason this is so important is cross pollination. Your sphere of contacts will be increased exponentially by participating in just two of these kinds of groups. Three is definitely better.
7. Get educated. If you've never read a book or taken a course in networking - Do it! Networking is more than just meeting alot of people. There are alot of important strategies you need to understand BEFORE you go networking, like who your target market is or who would be a good strategic partner. There a lots and lots and lots and lots of books on the topic and workshops too. If you don't want to spend a bunch of time searching for one, you can check out my book Network Your Way to Success here.
Investing in yourself can skyrocket your results and help you be more efficient and successful. This month make an appointment with yourself to find one new kind of networking group and check it out. Who knows who you could meet! |
Miss Karen's Musing - Life Comes at You Fast!
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I must say that this past two months have been the most educational of my life! Not the most fun, but the most educational!
As I mentioned in the opening, I have been mesmerized by the Oprah Eckhart Tolle interviews. (A New Earth - Discovering Your Life's Purpose)
At first I truly "didn't get" what I was about to discover. Now, these interviews are a book of the month club thing. I love to read, but I figured I'd just watch the classes because I "didn't need to read the book". About half way into the third class I realized it's really stupid to study a book you haven't read.
Where am I going with all of this?
They say life comes at you fast (I think it's also a credit card commercial). About half way through the month of March I began to realize I had made some serious judgment errors with some aspects of my business.
All the egoic self talk I had been giving myself over the past 4 years about being smarter than all those business advisors (around bookkeeping and financial reserves) proved to be wrong and I came to the painful realization that I needed to put my ego in check and get myself some education.
Well, I am working on that now. I'll be putting a few things on hold for now (don't worry I'm not going anywhere!) and I am looking at ways to do my work that are more supportive of myself and my family while providing you with the kind of great information you've come to enjoy and expect.
Anyway, the Eckhart Tolle interviews (and my wonderful associate Joan Silva) are teaching me the power of presence and a calm mind. Hey - Imagine me meditating...it could happen!
So I tell you all of this not to create an "automatic ego repair" or to "feed my pain body" - You have to read the book or watch the interviews to understand what I meant by that - But to illustrate that I am human and that I hope when your financial people talk, you listen to them and appreciate just how valuable they are. Don't fear what they have to say no matter how "scary" the information. Stay focused on the people you help with your work. As my good friend Connie Rose has reminded me - It's not about you. It's about the work.
Here's a poem I found (Thanks to flylady again) that I'm using to remind me to be present and to pursue excellence - not perfection.
Excellence
is willing to be wrong.
Perfection
is being right.
Excellence
is risk.
Perfection
is fear.
Excellence
is powerful.
Perfection
is anger and frustration.
Excellence
is spontaneous.
Perfection
is control.
Excellence
is accepting.
Perfection
is judgment.
Excellence
is giving.
Perfection
is taking.
Excellence
is confidence.
Perfection
is doubt.
Excellence
is flowing.
Perfection
is pressure.
Excellence
is journey.
Perfection
is destination.
Here's to excellence and success - whatever your definition!
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| Last Chance to Register for Expert Bootcamp!
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This is it! Registration for both locations of the Expert Boot Camp closes on Tuesday, April 22. - Do you want some clarity around who your clients are and how to get more of them?
- Do you want to be seen as an expert at what you do?
- Do you have a great idea for a workshop or an informational product and have no idea where to start?
- Would you like to do workshops or products but don't know how this could apply to you?
PERFECT!!! This is the workshop for you. You won't want to miss this fun, interactive and empowering event. Click here for more information or to register |
| Introducing Newsletter Services from Miss Karen
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You asked for it - you're gonna get it! Seriously though, so many of my students and clients have said "OK I understand that I need to have a newsletter, but I absolutely don't have the time to figure it out, much less maintain it." I hear you. PLUS one of the things I teach is don't do the things's you're not good at. Find someone who is good at it and let them do that. Introducing: Miss Karen's Email Newsletter Service.What if you could have a newsletter that: - You don't have to administer
- You don't have to do all the writing
- Goes out regularly and you don't even have to push the "send" button
- Looks beautiful
- You don't have to worry about the list
- Is affordable
That's what I'll be doing for you. This service is for you if: - You're constantly looking for new clients because existing clients drift away
- You dread picking up the phone and making those "follow up calls"
- You hate writing articles
- Managing your email lists drives you nuts
My belief is that a newsletter is the most efficient cost effective way
to stay in touch with your clients. It keeps you in front of them on a
regular basis, let's them know what's up with you AND helps them to get
to know you and trust you.
Most businesses either never get around to it. Many of the ones who do
use outlook or some other program NOT meant for multiple emails to send
newsletters. This is not only time consuming, but can get you into
trouble! Call me at 925-279-1004 and let's see if a newsletter service is a good solution for your business! |
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Upcoming Calendar |
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Upcoming
Workshops and Events:
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April 25 and 26, 2008
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You Are an Expert Two Day Boot Camp - How to position yourself as an expert by creating an info product or workshop |
9:00 am - 5:30 pm both days | Walnut Creek area
click here for more info or to register
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May 4 and 5, 2008
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You Are an Expert Two Day Boot Camp - How to position yourself as an expert by creating an info product or workshop |
9:00 am - 5:30 pm both days
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New!! - Philadelphia Location! click here for more info or to register
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Karen Frank founded Miss Karen's Productions
over four years ago. What began as a one-person operation providing content for
websites and elevator speeches has blossomed into a multifaceted company
specializing in spoken word communications. From workshops that teach business
owners what to say and how to say it - to effective scripting for fundraising
videos, Miss Karen's Productions is becoming an industry leader in verbal
communications information and training.
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Networking
Tip of the Month
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Online Networking
aka Social Networking
This is so the "latest thing". Most networking "experts" will tell you that you should belong to at least three types of networking groups.
Yes, I hear you right now...who has time for that?!?
A recent addition to the types of networking groups that exist is Internet social networking.
This too is especially brilliant if your target market is the under 40 crowd Which is not to say that anyone over 40 can't do this.
So how does this work?
If you get any newsletters from the "Internet product marketing gurus" you'll have heard a ton about "Web 2.0" It's just a fancy term for taking advantage of social networking on the Internet.
Social Networking is stuff like blogging, U-tube, Twitter, Diggit etc. where people can post and interact sometimes in real time. Another way to network online is to sign up for a Yahoo group in a topic you are interested in anyway.
So maybe you like to garden. Find a Yahoo group about gardening and join up. Engage in the conversation and make friends. From there it works just like networking live!!
I have received quite a few wonderful clients by participating in a film makers group, a networking discussion group and even from Freecycle (Yes I network when I go pick up free stuff from Freecycle people. You never know who knows who!)
So when you're feeling overwhelmed about those three types of networking groups you "should" belong to, think about online networking. Hey, you're on the Internet anyway. Why not?
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Does your group need a speaker?
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Every business needs to promote itself to grow and be successful, and yet many struggle with what to say and how to say it.
If your group is looking for a fun interactive presentation, Miss Karen will fill the bill!
She will entertain and educate audiences of any size on topics such as "How to Network" and creating an effective elevator speech. Call 925-279-1004 to schedule Miss Karen for your next event.
Want something just for your group? Miss Karen is happy to customise materials or come up with something just for you! Please call for rates and more information.
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